In his just-released autobiography Soulacoaster: The Diary Of Me, the perpetually-erect godfather of randy R&B does a terrific job of masking over the most controversial areas of his life – child pornography trials, alleged domestic abuse and his marriage to a 15-year-old Aaliyah – jettisoning the shady and the bizarre in favour of the flattering. It’s a trick he perfected on record with 2010’s Love Letter – and has gleefully repeated on this, his glossy 11th studio album.
On the 12-track Philadelphia Soul throwbacker, the bumping and grinding R Kelly of yesteryear is tastefully muffled (he’ll make a welcome return on 2013’s Black Panties, all going well) and we’re treated to a strikingly sensitive, groove-hunting, finger-clicking amalgamation of R&B’s past heroes: a little Ray Charles (‘All Rounds On Me’), a little Marvin Gaye (‘Share My Love’), a little Teddy Pendergrass (‘One Step Closet’), a little MJ (bonus track ‘You Are My World’), and a little Bill Withers (‘Feelin’ Single’, which subtly samples ‘Lovely Day’).
Do not expect another ‘Ignition’, another ‘Thoia Thoing’ or even another ‘Trapped In The Closet’ on Write Me Back. It’s not innovative, fascinating or even hilarious. What it is is a suave, mature, joyous collection of R&B, delivered with impeccable soul.